Trailer Guides?

[Grant Brown]

I've got a 17 foot Glastron runabout with a Merc 70 and several times per year I need to launch and pull out by myself.

Some of the boat launches areound here are not great and get worse with low tide and there is usually a prety good breeze by afternoon.
I am tired of being the slow guy at the ramp trying to get my boat on the trailer correctly, epecially when I'm by myself.

I am considering adding some guides to the sides of the trailer to help get the boat on right at the first try. I've been looking at the ones sold by Cabelas. I have also heard good things about using center bunks in the front third of the trailer.

I am an experienced boater and have no problem handling the craft at the dock or anywhere else. It seems like this boat and trailer set up is very difficult to get used to.
It is a bunk style with rollers up the middle.

Grant

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer Guides?

set your guideons 1/2 inch for each side of the widest point. total 1 inch clearance. install a self centering roller at the point where your bow usually hit first, last roller or next roller. the self center roller will keep the keel in place, and the guideons do the rest.

http://www.iboats.com/Self_Centerin...06210804--**********.884769180--view_id.56624

http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Guides/d...ategory--**********.884769180--view_id.238441

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Trailer Guides?

I have guides on my trailer and it helps so much when loading by myself that I wouldn't be without them again. Mine are the tall post style. I have the lights mounted on top. That makes it easier to test the lights and keeps them out of the water.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer Guides?

yeah i forgot the lights.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Trailer Guides?

Guides can make a rookie into a pro. Mounting lights on top can limit electrical problems and save your lights from curbs.

 

[eastern27]

Re: Trailer Guides?

After a couple of years, I got smart and put guides on my Sea Nymph GLS 1950. My 22ft CC has had them on from the first day. No problem with the wind or a 3 knt. current during moon tides. Makes you look like a pro at the ramp.